NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, LifeWay publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from the Bible Studies For Life curriculum.
Bible Passage: Isaiah 53:2-12
Discussion Questions:
— When has the ending to a story totally surprised you?
— Who has surprised you by how different they turned out to be?
— Why is it important to understand Jesus experienced suffering?
Food for Thought:
The Jewish people had long been looking for their Messiah. They were expecting Him to sweep in, destroy the bad guys and make everything right and happy for them. The One they had waited for was right in their midst, but He didn’t act the way they expected their Messiah to act. Moreover, Jesus surprised everyone by the way He brought deliverance. No one expected the Messiah to suffer and die on a cross between two thieves.
We may wonder if God could possibly understand our suffering, but the truth is God has experienced suffering to a degree we can’t imagine. Isaiah’s prophecy shows us that, in His innocence and sinlessness, Jesus experienced the desolation of rejection and the agony of a cruel death. But, as we shall see, He willingly suffered for our benefit.
Jesus understands our suffering! But His suffering is not merely an “I can relate” sentiment. Jesus’ suffering and death made it possible for us to be free of pain and suffering. “He himself bore our sins in His body on the tree; so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24). In Christ, we no longer have to fear death. We are set free from the pain of our sin. And ultimately, we will be free of all suffering when we are with Him in His eternal kingdom.
Bible Studies for Life
Bible Studies for Life connects the Bible to life for adults, students and kids. Bible Studies for Life helps individuals and groups know God’s Word through trustworthy content, creates biblical community through engaging and conversational group studies, and helps people engage the culture missionally by unpacking what the Bible says about real-life issues. More information can be found on the internet at www.biblestudiesforlife.com.
Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by LifeWay can be found at LifeWay.com/SundaySchool or ordered at LifeWay Christian Stores.
